Program Assistant/Senior Program Assistant - Middle East and North Affrica

NDI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than three decades. Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Position Description

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Program Assistant/ Senior Program Assistant to support its democracy development programs in the Middle East & North Africa, specifically the Gulf and Levant regions. The position will be based in Washington, DC.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provides administrative and logistical support to the Middle East & North Afric (MENA) team, including arranging travel and organizing meetings and conferences, under close supervision of senior staff.

Under supervision, creates initial drafts of budgets and monitors program expenditures using Excel, Quicken, and other budget tracking tools. Reconciles program budgets/expenditures on a monthly basis.

Under supervision and direction, researches or contributes to drafts of proposals, reports, memos, program updates, work plans and newsletter articles, and assists in keeping NDI’s internal and external webpage postings current.

Keeps track of program events in the field and in DC, and assists to organize and maintain files of related documentation and training materials. Compiles briefing materials and assists in preparing and supporting staff and consultants traveling to the field.

Liaises regularly with field staff to obtain programmatic and administrative information.

Assists field offices in creating monthly activity budgets and in tracking and reporting monthly office and operational expenditures.

Monitors political events in assigned countries and provides written and oral updates to senior staff as needed. Attends and records meetings and other events to keep up to date on team, region, and partner-related developments.

Backs up other team members; acts as the primary liaison between the assigned country team(s) and NDI's administrative and functional teams.

Fulfills other duties as assigned.

​Eligibility and Requirements

Demonstrated experience in international program and/or administrative management,international development, community organizing, political campaigns, or legislative affairs. Minimum two (2) years of demonstrated experience in relevant fields is required for consideration at the Senior Program Assistant level.

Bachelor’s degree required in international relations, political science or a related field; graduate degree preferred.